Become a Farmer
of the Future
Growing Future Farmers (GFF) delivers the largest farmer-led vocational workforce training programme in the New Zealand Ag-sector.
Born in 2020 from our desire to do something proactive to support young people into successful farming careers, our kaupapa is simple: training “by farmers, for farmers”.
Over 100+ GFF accredited farm trainers nationally have volunteered to deliver our intensive, 2-year, highly practical on-the-farm scholarship programme for youth aged 16 - 20. They are supported by industry and community experts, along with our GFF liaison managers in 14 regions.
NZQA accredited, GFF is designed to both amplify academic learning, as a practical extension to any tertiary qualification, and provide a direct trade qualification for those straight out of secondary school.
We are proud to say that 100% of our graduates are now fully employed in the industry.
Essential Farm Skills Programme
Our two-year programme (46 weeks each year starting mid-January and ending mid-December), includes:
-
Placement throughout 14 regions of NZ
-
Practical workplace training and development
-
NZQA level 3 qualifications
-
Pastoral care and liaison support
-
Course fees, access to subsidised gear, equipment and clothing pack, and two pups provided
-
Living allowance bursary
What's involved in being a Farm Trainer?
Farm trainers take a student on the two-year programme to give them practical skills, training and experience in agriculture.
-
Students live and train on farm as part of your farm team for the duration of the course
-
Regional Liaison Managers work with Farm Trainers and Students to support the training.
-
Students are on courses one day per week and will be on farm training and building experience four days per week.
-
Farm trainers host some training of the regional group and attend Quarterly Progress Meetings with Student and Liaison Manager.
